HAWN, RYAN S, 38 Arrested: 5/12/2026 10:31 AM Agency: Fort Scott PD Charges: – Agg Arson; Unknown Circumstance (NO BOND) – Agg Endangering A Child; Reckless <18 (NO BOND) – Criminal Damage To Property; Misdemeanor (NO BOND) – Disorderly Conduct; Unknown Circumstance (NO BOND) – Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm (NO BOND) – Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Felony (NO BOND) Bond: $0
Inmate Released List
CHARLTON, NIKOLAS RAY, 47 Booked: 04/28/2026 Released: 5/12/2026 at 8:44 PM Type: Surety bond Released to: Able Bonding
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, May 14th, at 8 a.m., hosted by Medicalodges, Inc. at Medicalodges Fort Scott, 915 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Parking at the facility is somewhat limited; however, additional parking will be available in the lot across from the Fort Scott Preschool Center on Horton. Guests may park there and easily cross the street to the front entrance, where staff will be available to welcome attendees.
In recognition of National Nursing Home Week, taking place May 10–16, this week’s Chamber Coffee is being held at Medicalodges Fort Scott to celebrate the dedicated caregivers, staff, and residents who play such an important role in the community each day. Community members will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet members of the team, and recognize the important impact nursing homes have on families throughout the area.
Medicalodges Fort Scott is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility offering long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, therapy services, and personalized healthcare support. As part of the employee-owned Medicalodges, Inc. network, the facility is committed to providing compassionate care while creating a welcoming, home-like environment for residents and their families. Community Care Connections also operates from the location, providing home health services, including skilled nursing care and therapy services for residents and patients returning home who may need additional support in the comfort of their own home.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Welcome: 11 members from ten agencies attended the meeting in the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Lora Wilson shared about what she does for CHCSEK.
Airrick Lee was here from Neosho County Community College with a program called R.S.V.P.- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Shelby Moore with FAST -Families Together shared about the different ways her program benefits children and families.
Patty Simpson with Fort Scott Housing Authority shared that they were accepting applications.
Stephanie Breckenridge-Strengthening Families with the Family Resource Center, Her program offers help with resources and Parenting Skills.
Star Culp-Parents As Teachers from Greenbush, has openings in her program in BBCO
Kelli Mengarelli-Early Childhood Block Grant with the Family Resource Center shares about delivering books for preschoolers going to kindergarten.
Janelle Tate the Transitions Coordinator in six counties with the Early Childhood Block Grant.
Craig Campbell-GNAT Good Neighbor Action Team, this program offers assistance for single moms, and the elderly. They have currently been building wheelchair ramps for those in need in Bourbon County. A future project is to paint park benches at Schubitz Plaza. This group has also been able to help with gas line break assistance. They are currently working on a recycling program starting, working with Vernon County.
Theresa Amershek – Safe House Children’s Director
Cheri Walrod from Credo Senior Living brought flyers about the Virtual Dementia Tour they are having during their Senior Care Coalition Luncheon on May 20.
Program:
Jennifer Gum-Fowler our librarian from the Fort Scott Library came to tell us about the programs that are currently happening at the library. She shared a little history about the building which is a Carnegie building, and our library is one of the oldest in Kansas still using the original building.
They received an ALA Grant for $20,000.00 and have partnered with Mental Health to purchase sensory toys and products for neurodiverse adults, teens and children to assist with their sensory needs. They include a Shush Booth, Sensory Table, Light Table, Bean pods to read in, and Toys for therapists.
The Library has had a make over including:
-an adult space upstairs for computers, telehealth, and interviews.
-A Teen space, tv, play station, study area, including two laptops.
The Childrens Program has moved downstairs, with hard and soft play places to include a
zero to three soft area, with a charging space for parents, and a Lego wall .
The Summer Reading Program has started, see the Youth Services flyer
The library has been pairing with Lowell Milken Center offering a great program including a Dig Crew bag
They offer adult reading BINGO with great prizes
They offer hand designed t-shirts that are available with Dig Crew
Golden Aces for 55+, enjoy arts and crafts.
They partnered with DAR for the 250th Celebration.
Road Scholars flyer
They are participating in The National Treasure Duck Hunt, with other community businesses.
Chamber Guide Books are available at the library for free.
The library is a source for various resources available in our community and nationwide. Jennifer is connected to the Library’s National and State committees allowing her to pull in resources and information nationwide.
Benefits of having a library card go beyond just books off the shelf it also grants us access to
Audio Books
Kanopy app which includes Sesame Street, Between the Lions videos free.
Information services
Assist with families in need.
WiFi 24/7
Open to Community Service Volunteers
Jennifer is very excited to share her knowledge and resources with the Fort Scott community, feel free to stop by and see all of their progress and programming. If you need something, the library is a great place to start.
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the coalition.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
MAY 14, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
3.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
3.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
3.4 Finance – CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
3.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
3.6 Grant Updates – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch
4.0 EMPLOYMENT MATTERS OF NON-ELECTED PERSONNEL (ACTION)
5.0 REVIEW OF MAY 18TH AGENDA ITEMS (INFORMATION)
6.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING (INFORMATION)
7.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:
Automotive Engines
Automotive Brakes
Electrical
Engine Performance
Automotive HVAC
Steering and Suspension
Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
Manual Power Trains
Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree in related field required (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum of two years’ work experience in the automotive field or two years of teaching experience in automotive education.
ASE Certifications in instructional areas (or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe).
Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
A Kansas teaching certificate is not a requirement for this position.
Salary and Benefits:
Full-time, 9-month position
A competitive salary range of $40,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience and education level
KPERS retirement plan
Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
Annual salary is distributed over 12 months
Flexible teaching schedule.
Application Process:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].
The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.
During Public Comments, Michael Hoyt addressed the commission about the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging headquartered in Pittsburg. They are responsible for Meals on Wheels to the aged. They are hurting for funds and are not accepting new applicants for meals right now.
Hoyt said they have been defunded by the federal government. He asked that the commission keep that in mind when they discuss the county budget. He also said that 65% of the constituents in Bourbon County are over 65.
AAA provides a lot of other services for the elderly in addition to Meals on Wheels.
Resolution 22-26 – Beerbower
Commissioner David Beerbower moved to adopt the resolution “as discussed and consensus reached in the work session” that the commission held just prior to their regular meeting. Commissioner Gregg Motley seconded.
Motion carried with Commissioners Mika Milburn-Kee and Samuel Tran voting against.
Tran acknowledged Beerbower’s good work on the resolution.
Payroll & Accounts Payable – Motley
James Krux, County Attorney, addressed the board regarding issues with accounts payable.
Lack of communication between the board and other offices in the county has created financial issues. “We have to be able, as a county, to continue operating and to continue growing,” he said, “And at least work together enough to make sure that’s happening.”
Tran refused to sign the checks as they had been done previously which directly affects Crux’s office. His employees have been paid late two pay periods in a row.
Motley asked what it will take to get those checks signed. He said the county is incurring late fees because of the failure of the commission to sign the checks. He and Commissioner Joe Allen are not on the signature card and cannot sign the checks.
Tran said he has spoken to four lawyers and claims to understand the statutes. The statutes don’t require commissioner’s oversight to sign checks, according to Tran. The treasurer signs them when she cuts them and the clerk attests to them by signing, which gives the two requisite signatures.
“I understand the angst here, I do,” said Tran. “What do you propose?” he asked the commissioners.
Allen said he doesn’t know where this problem came from, as it’s been standard practice for years for the county commission chairman to sign the checks. He said he offered to sign them so that people can get paid, “but I don’t believe it’s my position to sign the checks.”
He confirmed that the whole commission reviews and approves the checks. “I just don’t understand why the chairman can’t sign them to get them moving along,” said Allen.
Tran said that because the statue doesn’t require him to sign the checks, he has chosen not to.
He proposed that he relinquish his ability to sign the checks and make Laura Krom, the commission’s executive assistant, the official signer.
Milburn-Kee said that the chairman should have a signature stamp so he doesn’t have to sign 200 checks. Tran said he had asked for one but has not received it.
Allen said he preferred a commissioner sign the checks.
Tran immediately moved to make Allen the check signer. Motley said that the statutes allow the chairman to appoint someone to sign for him, and he approved of that person being Allen.
Allen said that “if it gets people paid,” he’s willing to do it to keep the county moving forward.
Motley next made a motion to restore read-only access to Payentry for County Clerk Susan Walker so that she can process the accounting entries that she needs to every two weeks after payroll.
Milburn-Kee said that read-only access gives the clerk access to too many reports she doesn’t need.
Tran said he hasn’t told the executive assistant or Payentry what to do, but has advised Krom to talk to HR and Payentry to figure out what to do. He said to let Krom know what’s needed so she can handle it.
“That’s not my motion,” said Motley. He asked why there needs to be an intermediary between Payentry and the clerk, noting that Krom does not understand what’s required for the payroll accounting the clerk has to do. The reports that she sent weren’t adequate.
Allen asked Walker what she needs to do the accounting. She said she sends an email every time there’s an issue, but does not receive responses.
“I am ultimately responsible for getting your financial information into the general ledger,” she said. “The problem with the report I’m receiving is that it’s not broken down by cost center,” which requires her to spend hours digging through to get the information she needs to enter into the county’s ledger.
Walker also pointed out that she is not required to do all the accounting work of creating the general ledger, journal entries, and benefit payments that she does.
Tran said it’s a work in progress and more change will be coming due to resolution 22-26.
“Why was it necessary?” Motley asked. “We’ve got a part-time person who’s the intermediary for the clerk, who’s an elected official. It makes zero sense.”
“I’m very frustrated by that lack of communication,” said Beerbower.
Motley said that his conversation with Steve Cohen (HR) showed that Cohen was unaware of the accounting duties of the clerk that require her to have the information in the reports she is currently being denied.
Having Krom send reports to Walker is “grossly inefficient,” said Motley. “Give her [Walker] access to the reports she needs…It’s just common sense.”
Motion failed to pass. Beerbower, Tran, and Milburn-Kee voted against.
Allen asked if there’s a way to control the view only access. Milburn-Kee said she didn’t think so.
Tran said that Payentry told him they have to create the data bases the clerk needs.
Beerbower pointed out that he was led to believe the clerk had access to too much employee information.
“What it boils down to is I advocated for the employees,… because I could see what their hiring dates were,” said Walker.
“Isn’t the county clerk the custodian of the records?” asked Hoyt. Motley agreed that she is and that it is counterintuitive to give access to those records to a part-time employee while denying it to the clerk.
Beerbower said he doesn’t see the issue as clearly as he thought he was.
Tran asked to table it.
Beerbower suggested they have Cohen come to the meeting next week to iron it out. “That’s communication.”
Bourbon County Attorney James Crux has issued a letter today, May 12, 2026, finding that a recall petition filed against County Commissioner Samuel Tran meets all statutory requirements and is in proper order.
The petition alleges “Failure to Perform Required Duties” as the grounds for recall. Specifically, it alleges that Commissioner Tran failed to comply with Kansas statutes regarding the passing of a budget in 2025, in violation of K.S.A. 79-2934. The letter notes that this violation was reported in a 2025 audit presented in May of 2026.
In his review, Crux cited several Kansas statutes governing the recall process, including K.S.A. 25-4320, which outlines the requirements a recall petition must contain, and K.S.A. 25-4322, which establishes the County Attorney’s duty to determine the sufficiency of such a petition.
The County Attorney found that the stated basis of failure to perform required duties was alleged with sufficient particularity and contains a nexus to the duties of County Commissioner. However, the letter also notes that the truth or falsity of the grounds must still be determined by the electorate.
The full letter from the County Attorney is available below.
USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026
FORT SCOTT, KS — The Unified School District 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.. The meeting was presided over by President David Stewart.
Meeting Overview
The board approved both the official and consent agendas, which included financial reports, check registers, and activity fund accounts. Key approvals included extended trip applications for the FSHS Band, Art Club, Cheer Camp, and Dance Camp.
District Leadership Reports
Superintendent’s Update: Destry Brown reported on upcoming graduation ceremonies and noted that staff and students are actively preparing for the conclusion of the school year.
Operations & Construction: Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided updates on current and summer projects, including a revised schedule and drawings for the new Preschool building.
Academic Performance: Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson shared iReady Math and Reading scores. State assessment results have been received and will be sent home with students this week.
Special Education: Director Tonya Barnes provided updates on Cat Aid and commended the staff for their diligence regarding Medicaid billing.
Board Actions and Approvals
The Board approved several contracts and initiatives for the 2026-27 school year, including:
Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupations Therapy, LLC.
Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology services.
Capacity settings for nonresident student enrollment.
Implementation of the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 year.
Service bids for parking lot maintenance (crack filling, seal coating, and striping).
Note: Bids for demolition and parking lot construction were tabled for future consideration.
Personnel Report
The following personnel recommendations and changes were approved during the session:
State Child Death Review Board Partners with KIDS Network to Provide Sleep Sacks, Promote Infant Safe Sleep Across Kansas
TOPEKA – (May 11, 2026) – The Kansas State Child Death Review Board is partnering with KIDS Network to promote infant safe sleep, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.
The review board, housed at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, approved the purchase of $5,000 in sleep sacks that will be delivered in the coming days to the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network for distribution at Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers statewide. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to preventing sleep-related infant deaths by equipping families with practical tools and education on safe sleep practices. Sleep-related deaths, including those from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), remain a leading cause of infant mortality in Kansas and nationwide. Consistent safe sleep education and resources can significantly reduce these preventable tragedies.
“Every infant death is a profound loss, and the State Child Death Review Board is dedicated to turning data into action that protects Kansas families,” said Attorney General Kris Kobach. “By collaborating with the KIDS Network, we are providing tangible support—sleep sacks—to help parents create safer sleep environments while raising awareness of proven prevention strategies.”
Sleep sacks are wearable blankets designed to keep infants warm and safe without the hazards of loose bedding. They reduce the risk of suffocation or entrapment by eliminating the need for blankets, which can accidentally cover an infant’s face. This makes sleep sacks an effective, evidence-based tool aligned with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for safe infant sleep.
New and expectant parents are strongly encouraged to follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
A – Alone: Infants should sleep alone in their own sleep space, without sharing a bed with adults, siblings, or pets. Room-sharing (but not bedsharing) is recommended for the first six months.
B – On their Back: Always place babies on their back to sleep for every nap and nighttime.
C – In a Clutter-Free Crib: Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Keep the sleep area empty—no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.
“Safe sleep can feel overwhelming for new parents, and we’re incredibly grateful for this partnership that helps make caring for an infant a little easier and safer. By providing sacks at Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers, families can immediately put what they’ve learned into practice,” Christy S. Schunn, executive director of the KIDS Network.
The KIDS Network’s Community Baby Showers (also known as Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers or Crib Clinics) are interactive, educational events for new and expectant parents and community providers. These baby showers combine celebration with hands-on learning about infant safe sleep, maternal child health, and available resources. Sleep sacks purchased through this initiative will be distributed at upcoming showers across Kansas to help families put safe sleep practices into action immediately.
To learn more about safe sleep resources, visit the KIDS Network website at http://www.kidsks.org. The Kansas State Child Death Review Board reviews child fatalities to identify trends and recommend prevention strategies. The KIDS Network works statewide to support families affected by infant death and to promote education that prevents future losses.
To all moms in our lives, thank you for the love, care and guidance you provide for your families. I’d also like to wish a happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Robba.
Discussing the Importance of U.S.-China Trade This week, I traveled with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues to China where we were hosted by U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue. We met with the Premier of China, the Chinese Foreign Minister and the head of China’s legislature to discuss the importance of robust trade between our two countries ahead of President Trump’s planned presidential summit with Chinese President Xi in Beijing.
At a time when farmers and producers in Kansas and across the country are facing low commodity prices and high input costs, increasing fair trade with China will help bolster our agricultural industry as they continue to feed, fuel and clothe the world. We discussed the importance of opening China’s markets to accept more U.S. agricultural exports, including grain sorghum, wheat, soybeans and beef, and ensuring China abides by our trade agreements.
We also discussed the importance of cooperation to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors, ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, boosting aviation exports to China and supply chain security. The conversations with Chinese leaders ahead of the President Trump’s visit projected confidence in reaching a trade deal that is beneficial to both countries.
Discussing Ag Trade on Kansas Radio
This week, I joined Greg Akagi on WIBW Ag radio and Chip Flory on AgriTalk radio to discuss agricultural trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, as well as the importance of access to expanded commodity markets for Kansas farmers and producers.
Before the congressional delegation’s trip to China, I spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about the administration’s efforts to strengthen markets for American agricultural producers. While I support the administration finding new trade partners and strengthening existing agreements to lessen the U.S.’s dependence on China, as one of the largest economies in the world, China cannot be ignored.
You can listen to my interview with Greg Akagi on WIBW here and my interview with Chip Flory on AgriTalk here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran Since the conflict began, I have asked, both publicly and in classified settings, for information regarding what has been accomplished in Iran, our current military posture and what is necessary for victory. Congress – and the American people – have not been adequately informed. Decisions by Congress regarding Iran are complicated by American troops in harm’s way and a desire to be certain Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. I continue to consult with other senators on an Authorization for Use of Military Force or invocation of the War Powers Act.
I also understand the American people are facing the consequences of the war as costs for fuel and other commodities surge. I am troubled that, at a time when Kansas farmers are encountering a challenging ag economy, compounded by tariffs and closed markets, the cost of this war may bring greater challenges to U.S. agriculture. Finally, though not a veteran, a significant amount of my time in public service has been devoted to caring for those who suffer from the scars of battle, and I am concerned about the post-service mental and physical health of those who serve.
As the standoff over the strait continues, the sanctions waiver on Russian oil sales is set to expire Saturday, and I renew my call for the administration to resume enforcing sanctions and deprive Russia of revenue that permits Vladimir Putin to continue his unjust war against Ukraine.
Introducing Legislation to Equip Parents to Better Protect Minors Online
I recently introduced the Parents Over Platforms Act with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). This bipartisan legislation would require app stores and developers to establish safeguards that strengthen protections for minors downloading apps online and provide parents with more tools to moderate children’s online access. Requiring app stores and app developers to put safeguards in place will support efforts to protect minors as they navigate an online environment that is too often harmful for young children. As these threats grow, it is important that we put measures in place to be certain parents are equipped with the tools to keep their children’s online access safe and age appropriate.
Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and industry leaders to make certain parents have the tools necessary to keep their children safe online.
You can read more about my legislation from Kansan Susan Peters in the Wichita Eagle here.
Raising Health & Safety Concerns of Mail-Order Abortion Drugs to U.S. Supreme Court
This week, I joined several of my Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief in support of the State of Louisiana’s case regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) policies surrounding abortion drugs. The brief raises concerns about the removal of in-person medical requirements for dispensing abortion drugs and the potential risks this poses to women’s health and safety. It also highlights concerns related to informed consent, coercion and the importance of physician oversight in the prescribing process.
As the Senate continues its oversight responsibilities, it is important that federal agencies remain accountable and that policies impacting patient safety are carefully examined. I will continue supporting efforts to protect women’s health and unborn children.
You can read the full amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court here.
Introducing Bill to Extend Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program I joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years. Rural hospitals are essential to the health and economic well-being of communities across Kansas. This program helps rural hospitals test innovative Medicare payment models that improve financial stability and support continued access to care for patients in rural areas.
Since my time in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have supported the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program because it provides critical support for hospitals working to keep their doors open and continue delivering quality care. Currently, Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus in Junction City and McPherson Hospital participate in the program and use these resources to strengthen services in their communities. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, Mercy Hospital Independence and Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses have also previously participated in the RCHD Program.
I appreciate the support of Kansas health care leaders and will continue working to advance policies that strengthen rural hospitals and support access to care across our state. You can read more about the RCHD program and how it supports rural health providers in Kansas here.
Reintroducing Legislation to Expand USDA Research Programs
I reintroduced the America Grows Act with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), my colleague on both the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee. This legislation would increase funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs by 5% annually for the next 10 years. For U.S. farmers and ranchers to remain competitive in global markets, our nation must continue making strong investments in agricultural research. Expanding USDA’s research capacity will improve our ability to prevent and respond to plant and animal disease threats, accelerate the adoption of modern technologies and help farmers and ranchers innovate. U.S. agriculture is better prepared for the future through investments in research.
Now Accepting Fall 2026 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the fall 2026 session are due Sunday, May 31, 2026. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting Fall 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the fall 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Fall Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31, 2026. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Victor Goines and Maryemma Graham will be the recipients of the “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the
annual celebration October 1st – 3rd, 2026 in Fort Scott, Kansas. The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon
Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. The Choice of Weapons Award was established in Parks’
honor to be given annually at the celebration. More detailed information about the annual celebration events will be
coming at a later date with a full press release.
Victor Goines is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and educator
with a career that spans over four decades at the highest levels of jazz performance and
education. A native of New Orleans, Goines began his musical journey at a young age and has
become one of the most respected figures in jazz. During his lengthy tenure as a member of both
the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Wynton Marsalis Septet, he has performed on major
stages around the world and contributed to numerous recordings, including Wynton Marsalis’s
Pulitzer Prize-winning “Blood on the Fields” and Ted Nash’s Grammy-winning “Presidential Suite.”
Goines is also a prolific composer, having created more than 400 original works. Many of
these compositions have been commissioned by prestigious institutions such as Jazz at Lincoln
Center, The Juilliard School, the Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, the Music Institute of Chicago, and the ASCAP
Foundation. His extensive discography includes performances as both a leader and a sideman, collaborating with legends
like Eric Clapton, Dianne Reeves, Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, and Ruth Brown,
among others.
In addition to his performance career, Goines has made a significant impact in the field of music education. He served
as the Director of Jazz Studies at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music for 14 years, during which time he
elevated the program to national recognition. Prior to that, he was the founding Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard
School, where he shaped the curriculum that established Juilliard as a premier institution for jazz education. Goines
has mentored notable artists including Jon Batiste, Aaron Diehl, Brian Blade, and Yasushi Nakamura. He has also held
teaching positions at Florida A&M University, the University of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans, and Xavier
University.
Goines earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Music degree
from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music Arts in music education at Boston
University.
His last appointment was as the President and CEO of Jazz St. Louis from 2022 until his departure in 2026.
Victor L. Goines is a Yamaha artist and a Vandoren artist.
Maryemma Graham is University Distinguished Professor Emerita at the Department of English,
University of Kansas, and a 2021 recipient of an American Book Award lifetime achievement
recognition for “outstanding literary excellence,” highlighting the broad and lasting impact of her
research, publishing, teaching, and public engagement through humanities-driven initiatives.
The Augusta, Georgia, native is founder and for 38 of its 43 years, the director of The History of
Black Writing (HBW), a digital archive established in 1983, at the University of Mississippi. Focusing
on the preservation and study of Black Literature. HBW is best known for its wide array of initiatives
in the humanities that have redefined the field of literary studies. Graham’s extensive record of
funding includes over $3.5 million from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ford, and
Mellon Foundations. HBW’s signature work links literary recovery, archival preservation, and digital
scholarship with intergenerational and international networks.
Spearheaded by HBW, Graham created a bridge for the Langston Hughes National Poetry Project, the Language Matters
Teaching Initiative in partnership with the Toni Morrison Society, and the Black Book Interactive Project, a joint effort with
AFRO-PWW at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
AFRO-PWW is now an active digital publishing network led by Marilyn Thomas Houston and Ronald W. Bailey just as HBW
began a new era at Indiana University under the leadership of Ayesha Hardison.
Graham’s research and publications – 15 books and hundreds of articles and essays – point to her national and international
focus as a scholar-activist-collaborater invested in expanding the public’s knowledge. Her notable published works include
The Cambridge History of African American Literature, with Jerry W. Ward, Jr. and the multi-lingual volume Toni Morrison:
Au delà du visible ordinaire / Beyond the Visible and Ordinary (2015) with Andrée-Anne Kekeh and Janis A. Mayes. On
her groundbreaking, late career publication, The House Where My Soul Lives: The Life of Margaret Walker (Oxford, 2022),
Alice Walker comments that Graham “invites us to understand more fully the richness and variety of Southern life . . . the
unstoppable spirit of black creative people. . . and the Universe of Margaret Walker . . . who never stopped honing her skills
of inquiry, observation, and debate.” Largely responsible for the resurgence of interest in Margaret Walker, prior to the
biography, Graham published 4 related books: How I Wrote Jubilee and Other Essays on Life and Literature (1990), On Being
Female, Black, and Free: Essays by Margaret Walker, 1932-92 (1997), Conversations with Margaret Walker (2002), and Fields
Watered with Blood: Critical Essays on Margaret Walker, originally published in 2001 & reprinted due to popular demand in
2014. While Graham’s investment in Walker has defined much of her career, her reputation is extended with articles, book
chapters, introductions, interviews, commemorative editions, book reviews, study guides, and especially interviews. Graham
landed the first major interview with the late novelist Frank Yerby, one of the most widely published American novelists of
his time, whom most did not know was black. Her mentorship of legions of students and initiating collaborative projects are
widely known, and Graham remains highly invested in advocacy efforts, just as she redefined what we mean by “professional
development” with her 20 popular NEH-funded programs, including national summer institutes at Northeastern University
in Boston and the University of Kansas. KU hosted 16 of these events that reached educators throughout the US and abroad.
The kick off for these events was the 2002 Langston Hughes Centennial that brought more than a 1000 people to Lawrence.
In her so-called retirement, Graham is working on three books: “The Cambridge History of the African American Novel,”
with Keith Gilyard (Cambridge), “Margaret Walker’s South” (University Press of Mississippi), and “The Gary Girls” with the
members of her maternal family. Somewhere in there will be her own memoir, “School Teacher’s Daughter.” Born and raised
in Augusta, GA, Graham calls Lawrence, KS her home after nearly 30 years as a resident. Driven by a concern that reading has
gone out of style, she is working with the St. Luke A.M.E. church community and its Pastor Rachel Williams-Glenn in building
a children’s library, commemorating the church and the city, where famous author Langston Hughes spent his childhood.
Schedule and ticket information will be posted at a later date on the website gordonparkscenter.org.
